QS requirements beyond the law

The requirements in the QS scheme can exceed the legal requirements. This applies particularly to processes that have a critical influence on food safety or animal welfare. Individual measures beyond the law are listed in this document.

However, it is important to note first of all that quality assurance based on one another - from farm to shop - is characteristic of QS. The binding product and process requirements apply to all scheme participants at home and abroad.

Ensuring process quality, independent controls, comprehensive monitoring, and consistent traceability...

... are the core elements of the QS scheme for safe food products founded in 2001.

Process control in the QS scheme is supplemented by product controls in the scheme's own monitoring programs. In the meat and meat products supply chain, companies are obliged to participate in feed and salmonella monitoring as well as antibiotics monitoring. In the supply chain of fruit, vegetables and potatoes they participate in the QS residue monitoring.All scheme participants must ensure traceability at all times. The compilation of information on the purchase of goods must be guaranteed within four hours.

Avoidance of residues/non-approved substances

• Producers, wholesalers, processors and food retailers are obliged to participate in residue monitoring. In accordance with a risk-oriented control plan, the products are tested for maximum residue levels, post-harvest treatment agents, growth regulators, pollutants and heavy metals as well as active substances exclusively permitted for cultivation.
• QS goes beyond the legal requirements when evaluating non-approved active substances for the respective culture. If the active ingredient content is above a value of 0.015 mg/kg, the producer is blocked for the QS scheme for the corresponding product.
• When pesticides are used, for example, compliance with the waiting period and documentation of the active substance or beneficial insect used are mandatory.
• Following a complaint, the producers concerned have an obligation to obtain individual advice.

Prevention of microbiological contamination/hygiene

• The use of organic fertilizers may only take place under consideration of specified requirements, e.g. specifications on permitted ingredients for fermentation substrates. For the use of manure of animal origin, there are special requirements for application and deadlines.
• The use of water for irrigation and other water use before harvesting is only permitted after risk analysis and proven water quality (E.coli < 1000 kbE/100 ml).
• The scheme participants in processing and the food retail must provide proof of annual training of employees in accordance with the Infection Protection Act (legislation: training only every two years).
• Toilets for harvesters must be accessible on foot or by means of transport provided within a reasonable time. The number of toilets depends on the number of harvesters and the duration of the harvest work. Disposable towels are obligatory for drying hands.

Traceability

• It is compulsory to indicate the identification number of the producer on the label or delivery note.

Soil requirements/fertilisation

• For the purpose of risk minimization, information on previous crops, soil condition (soil analysis), use of plant protection products, fertilizers or the application of sewage sludge must be demonstrated for all areas for the purpose of risk minimization.
• When growing fruit and vegetables under glass, the nitrogen fertilizer strategy must be explained.

Microbiological testing

• Processed fruit and vegetables and potatoes must be checked for the following parameters:</li<
  • Fruit and vegetables: EHEC (VTEC, STEC), yeasts
  • Fruit: Enterobacteriaceae, coagulase-positive staphylococc